Researcher in Spotlight- Jamson Masih

Dr. Jamson Masih is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Chemistry at Wilson College, Mumbai (Maharashtra, India). He obtained his Ph.D. degree in Chemistry (thesis: Studies on Trends in Particulate Matter Size Distribution and Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in Indoor Environment of Domestic Homes) and a Masters degree in Organic Chemistry from St. John’s College, Agra (India). Prior to joining Wilson College, Dr. Masih completed postdoctoral research at School of Environmental Sciences, JNU, New Delhi (India) and worked as a Senior Research Fellow at St. John’s College, Agra (India). He was awarded the ‘Best Thesis Award’ by the Association of Environmental and Analytical Chemistry, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC), Mumbai. He has published more than twenty articles in international, peer-reviewed journals, and has presented his research at several international conferences.

Currently, he is working on several projects including characterization of PAHs and their carcinogenic potential in PM2.5 in Mumbai (India), and assessment of distribution and concentrations of metals in nanoparticles.

A short Q&A with Dr. Masih:

What motivated you to study air pollution?

When I was doing my M.Sc., I did my dissertation work on indoor/outdoor air quality of homes, and this was when I learnt the reality about the place and environment which very essential to keep clean. Since then I have decided to take step to lead awareness and work for air pollution studies so I can contribute towards my country in a small way.

What are the two biggest challenges you face as a researcher?

Well the biggest challenges in our country and in my work are as follows:
First of all, you should have instruments to monitor the air quality for different parameters, and it is hard to get funds for purchase of equipment and this is really a great challenge. Secondly, the analysis of several air pollutants depends on analytical instruments, and in many cases, those are not available. We need good collaboration within the scientific community which can help in leading for better research and also to publish data in right way.